Dayana Mendoza-Miss Universe 2008

Miss Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2008 on Monday in a contest marked by the spectacle of Miss USA falling during the evening gown competition for the second year in a row.

Ms. Mendoza, 22, is a 178-cm, green-eyed beauty who enjoys learning languages and photography. Ms. Stewart, 26, is a motivational speaker and former track and field star who is working on a book called Waiting to Win. She was once kidnapped in her homeland and says the experience taught her to remain poised under pressure. During the 2007 Miss Universe contest in Mexico City, Miss USA Rachel Smith tumbled during the evening gown competition and became an unintended star on YouTube, where the video was shown over and over again. Now Dayana is in full excitement and she is now on top of the world.